Which specialist treats bladder cancer?

A urologist examines the urinary tract, arranges cystoscopy and may perform procedures to remove or sample a bladder lesion. A specialist pathologist examines tissue to identify the cancer type and features. A medical oncologist advises on medicines such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, while a radiation oncologist may be involved when radiotherapy is suitable. The team uses the tumour’s depth, location, grade and spread to discuss options. Some bladder cancers are treated inside the bladder with intravesical BCG therapy; others need bladder removal surgery or treatment affecting the whole body.

Arrange an appointment with a urologist or ask your doctor for referral to a bladder-cancer service. Take a list of medicines and any urine-test or scan results. Ask whether cystoscopy and tissue sampling are needed, who will explain the pathology report, and whether your case will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team. Tell the clinic about blood in urine, pain, urinary changes and previous bladder procedures so the assessment is planned safely.

Contact a clinician promptly for visible blood in urine, clots, inability to pass urine, severe lower-abdominal pain, fever or vomiting. Difficulty passing urine can require urgent treatment if the bladder is becoming obstructed. Heavy bleeding, faintness or inability to urinate should be assessed urgently rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

Ask which specialist is coordinating your care, what the cystoscopy and biopsy show, whether the tumour has entered the bladder muscle, and which treatments are being considered. Clarify how intravesical BCG therapy differs from chemotherapy or immunotherapy, whether surgery would change urine drainage, and who to contact about bleeding or urinary blockage.